Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa remains in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the second night following his arrest on Monday.

Okowa, who served as the running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, reported to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after receiving an invitation from investigators regarding the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

According to sources, Okowa faces additional allegations, including failing to account for N40 billion used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and purchasing N40 billion worth of shares in a major bank, representing 8% equity to float an offshore LNG. The funds were allegedly used for other purposes, including acquiring estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State.

A source said, “He was also accused of failing to render accounts of the funds as well as another N40bn he allegedly claimed he used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.

“He also allegedly bought shares of N40bn in one of the major banks in the country, representing eight per cent equity to float the offshore LNG. The funds were alleged to be used for other purposes.

“Investigators are also investigating the diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba in Delta State.”

A source familiar with the matter revealed that Okowa’s ongoing detention is due to the severity of the allegations against him.

“We are still keeping him; the investigation is ongoing. Earlier, he was confronted with some of the allegations against him. We want him to respond to the allegations,” the source stated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)

President Bola Tinubu has officially promoted Olufemi Oluyede, the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to the rank of Lieutenant General.

This announcement, confirmed by sources at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, has sparked speculation regarding a potential future appointment as the permanent head of the army.

Oluyede, who was previously a Major General, stepped into the role of acting army chief following the illness of former Army Chief Taoreed Lagbaja.

NIGERIAN TRACKER learned that since the return to civilian rule in 1999, the tradition is that the Chief of Army Staff wears the rank of a three-star general, while the Chief of Defence Staff wears the rank of a four-star general from whichever section of the armed forces he comes from.

The second Army General to wear the rank of a four-star General who did not also serve as Head of State was General Alexander Ogomudia in 2003 when he was promoted by Former President Olusegun Obasanjo.